The Run from HELL

After a thoroughly enjoyable weekend (Friday night: Ladies night with Connie! Saturday night: Awesome party at our house with great friends!) Kyle and I decided to cap it off with a 10 mile run Sunday afternoon.

If you remember, Kyle and I are training for our first ever half marathon at the end of this August.  Up until about the past 2-3 weeks, training has been going fantastic.  I've hit 10 miles several times, my leg muscles were looking rock hard, and I was feeling very confident.

Notice however, I said up until the past 2-3 weeks.  Packing, moving, and last week's heat wave have frankly destroyed our progress.  It's unbelievable how fast you can get out of shape.  But none of this was considered as we prepared for a pleasant Sunday jog.

We had no idea we were about to go on the RUN FROM HELL.

I should have known all bets were off when we stepped outside to discover an oppressive, humid heat.

I should have known all bets were off when I recognized we didn't pack enough water.

I should have known all bets were off when as soon as we arrived at the Jane Addams Trail, Kyle thought it was a good idea to rip the sleeves off his shirt and wear one of those said sleeves as a headband. 

From the front it could just be your ordinary handkerchief.

The true story is told once he turns around.

A little hilarious? Yes.  A lot embarrassing?  Yes.  Incredibly disconcerting?  Absolutely.  Kyle has since said he would like to do this with every t-shirt he owns.  God help me.

Our run quickly went from embarrassing (Kyle) to dangerous (Whitney).  It typical Whitney fashion, I was totally consumed with the beauty of nature around me, oblivious to where my feet were landing.  Within 5 minutes from the start of our run I awkwardly stepped on a large walnut, thus rolling my ankle and going into a spectacular fall consisting of numerous somersaults.  The scene concluded with intense pain, tears, a dusty body, and a sprained ankle.

Thinking that I could only consider myself a true athlete if I continued, I (unwisely) forced Kyle to go on a  wobbly, gimpy 7 mile jog at the world's. slowest. pace. ever. 

The result of our jog:

- Me running the entire time either swearing, crying, or baring my teeth like a rabid dog.

- Both of us nearly passing out from sheer exhaustion from being out of shape and in what we later found out to be a Heat Advisory

- All too quickly running out of water and contemplating drinking muddy pond water

- Not being able to get out of that damned sun and achieving that "burnt to a crisp" look 



Weird tan lines? Check.  Bright red coloring? Check.

- A swollen, painful-as-a-bitch ankle.

Excuse the ugly feet.  Notice the swelling on my left ankle, OUCH!

After this run and the past few weeks, I have to admit I'm very nervous about this half marathon.  I hope we can pull it off and we never EVER have a run this awful again!

The highlight of our dismal experience?  We met a cute little turtle friend along the way!  And while you can't see it in the picture, it would appear our turtle wasn't having the best day either; he had a large crack in his shell.

I guess as the Turtle must already know and Kyle and I found out yesterday; you can't win them all, you can't win them all.

Home is Wherever I'm with You

Not to get sappy, but I'm oozing with happiness these days.

Moving in with Kyle has been a long time coming.  Nearly nine years in fact.  Sometimes I feel like Kyle and I are on a different path than many others our age: we didn't get married straight out of college and we haven't had five kids yet.  But I am utterly content with our journey. 

Since the age of 16 I've been pretty certain that Kyle was the guy I was going to spend my life with, so I've never felt the need to rush anything.  That being said, I've wanted to live with the guy forever now but life didn't always work out in our favor.  I feel so blessed to now be with him day and night.

Prior to dating Kyle, I used to be so cynical about high school relationships that ended in marriage (despite my parents being high school sweethearts).  How could you ever marry your first love without seeing what else is out there????  After meeting Kyle, my entire view changed.  Now I know how LUCKY I am.  If you were offered a few extra years with your significant other wouldn't you want them!?  I've just never wanted to see what reside on the other side of the fence, because my lawn (in my eyes) has always been perfect.  And now I can't get away from him :)

Thus far living together has gone smoothly.  Honestly after 9 years of dating there is not much I didn't know about Kyle.  One thing I didn't quite realize the extent of; is just how active he is.  Good Lord, he doesn't. ever. stop!  I love to just relax, sit and read a book, sit and watch TV.  Kyle? Oh no.  There is always someone to see, someone to call, something to do, work to be done.  He brings the activity, I bring the zen.

And I've been trying to bring the beauty to our home.  Slowly but surely she's coming together.  (I WILL post pictures soon!)  For the most part, we are so happy with the place we got. 

The Good:
- It's an old home with tons of character and charm
- 10 ft ceilings!
- Original hard wood floors throughout
- HUGE front porch
- Deliciously perfect little nook upstairs
- The fact that it has an upstairs
- Its our first place, it's the Ritz baby

The bad:
- It's an old home with tons of character (a little "over-used" in some places) and charm (meaning someone must have been under a spell when they put that 500th coat of paint on some of these doors)
- Teeny, tiny kitchen
- Teeny, tiny bathroom
- Ummmm, hello spiders!
- The Underground Railroad, aka our terrifying limestone basement

Yet even the bad I'm beginning to love (minus the bugs).  I love my history, so I love this house.  I even just purchased two large black and white "lost photographs of Freeport" to frame and hang above our couch.  Pretty beautiful and pretty original if I do say so myself.

Yes I must say things are coming together.  I can't complain.  I have my family, I have my friends, I have my home, and I have Kyle. 

Someones in a good mood today.

Happiness

So much has changed since my last post, funny how quickly life can change.

I did not get my BC teaching job back.  I re-interviewed and did not get it.  Everyone was very honest with me that the position would go to someone else if they had 7-8 years experience.  I had a gut feeling all along that I wouldn't be back next year.  It is my personal, although unconfirmed, opinion that they had someone waiting in the wings they wanted to get in.  Despite their honesty I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hurt and angry.  Apparently hard work doesn't always get you what you want.  I did a damn good job at BC and will miss my students terribly.

But alas, things may have worked out for the better.  I interviewed at "FHS" (my old high school!) and got offered the position within a few hours of the actual interview.  A real FULL TIME teaching job!  And because I know about half of the staff already I know I'll have tons of support.

Once I got a job, things moved very quickly.  Kyle and I found a place here in town, a beautiful old duplex with lots of character.  We're just about entirely unpacked and I couldn't be happier.  We'll soon see what things I learn about dear Kyle.  He's already seeing just how OCD I can be. 

So life is once again rapidly changing.  But I am so very happy.  Now that we have a stable Internet connection I promise I'll be blogging more.  And I'll soon post pics!!

Fast Times at Whitney High

Things in my life have suddenly accelerated.  A lot is changing (very quickly) and it is questionable whether it is all for the best.

These numerous changes are the main reason for my recent blogging absence. Oh, and I've also been playing a little bit too much Tap Fish.  How do you waste so much time on a pointless app you ask?  Good question.

So what is ch-ch-changing?  Here is the short list

1. BAD: My car "Sassy." Just paid her off as of TODAY.  So naturally, over the weekend she started acting like a real bitch.  Currently she's (hopefully) being fixed.

2. GOOD: School is done, one week from today!

3. BAD: School is done, one week from today, meaning I have piles of work to get done!

4. GOOD: Kyle and I found an apartment we love, love, LOVE and put in our application for it.

5. BAD: Still no word on whether or not we got the aforementioned apartment

6. GOOD: Training for a 1/2 marathon in August (Thanks Nate).  Yes, that is 13.1 miles.  Yes, I have lost my mind.   No, I have never run that far in my life (current record: 6 miles).  Yes, I realize I have a loooong way to go.

6. QUESTIONABLE: My job for next year.  It was posted to internal candidates: No takers.  It is now being posted to external candidates (since it is considered a "new" position).  I will be a "preferred" interview but everyone keeps reminding me someone good, great, better than me could interview.  Thanks for the reminder.  And to make me keep sweating, the interview might not take place until EARLY JULY! Ugh!

So there you go.  My stress level as of late is through the roof.  I do believe I'm always 2.5 seconds away from a heart attack.  At least I have tap fish....at least I have tap fish.

Hope Lost?

Today I am sad, I am angry, I am upset, and I am feeling a little bit hopeless.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a teacher.  When I did my student teaching, I KNEW teaching was perfect for me.  Teaching makes me happy, I honestly feel like it is what I was born to do.

And while I don't want to whine and complain and feel sorry for myself, I am just so FRUSTRATED right now. 

We had "teaching meetings" today, and I was hoping to get some good news about my job for next year.  And while I didn't get the worst news (aka: "No job for you next year") it isn't what I would call good...by a long shot. 

To be a full time teacher at my school you must be considered 12/12.  (I am currently 4/12).  Next year my position will become 11/12.  Sounds great right?  Nearly full time!  However, it is looking quite likely that this 11/12 will in fact become a FULL time.  What's wrong with that you ask?

As soon as my position becomes full time, it will be opened to district employees, and potentially outside candidates.  I heard a rumor today that there are some Middle School teachers chomping at the bit to get into the high school.  Not good for me.  If the position is opened to outside candidates, I would have to go through the interview process (again) and could potentially face off against someone with more experience (and frankly more talent).  Again, not good for me.

I'm trying not to be dramatic, but in the pit of my stomach I just don't have a good feeling.

I want to teach!  More than anything!  Why is it so hard for me to just get/keep a job?

It is so unbelievably depressing to think about going back to subbing.  No matter what anyone says, it makes me feel like a failure.

It hurts to feel that way about  yourself.  Very much so.  And hurts to potentially not be able to do something you love. 

I've been praying for two years now to get a full time job.  I keep hoping beyond hope that something will work out for me.  But when, WHEN will it be my time?

I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed.  But after two years of failure, I think mine may be broken.

Girl Crush

I do realize I've been doing everything BUT "Blogging On" as of late.  Life for me recently has been a medley of end-of-the-year school stuff, end-of-the-season soccer stuff, deciding where Kyle and I should move to this summer, and worrying about still not getting any official word over my job for next year.  I have been busy, that is for sure.

Moving on to more important things.  Because I've been so busy lately, I've sadly not been able to watch the TODAY show very often.  This makes me upset for two reasons:
1. It's a quality program.  News, fluff, and great hosts all in hours upon hours of television = perfection!
2. It features my girl crush.

Who is she, you ask?

It's Ann Curry!!

I mean seriously, what is not to love about this woman?  She is smart, beautiful, and oh so caring.  Have you ever seen her interview someone?  Or report from a war-zone?  Or look deep into the eyes of a grieving child and let them know life will get better?  Or trade jokes with Mr. Roker?  It doesn't matter what she does, it's always quality, and it's always touching.  SHE GETS IT. 

And she is my girl crush.  And don't judge me.  And that is all.

Pawfection

I do believe a congrats are in order.

Kaya Scrincles, whose amazing blog I follow, has just come in 2nd place in a very prestigious contest.

Now, I don't want to say I saw this coming....but I saw this coming.  The first time I saw photographs of Kaya strolling on a beach, I knew she was a born STAR!!

http://kayascrincles.blog.com/2011/04/15/i-won-second-place/ 

Congrats Kaya!! (And Luz!)

Woof!!

Oh the Drama....

I love coaching soccer.  It is incredibly fun to work with kids outside of school.  I love the competitiveness and I find myself laughing and almost always having a great time.  I never really saw myself becoming a coach but it is now a huge part of my identity.  It is who I am, something I'm good at, and something I love doing.

However, there are days when coaching can become a bit...stressful.  Days like today when the drama doesn't seem to stop.

Practice began today with a girl complaining that her heart was beating very fast and that she couldn't catch her breath.  I sent her in to see our Athletic Trainer but she returned a few minutes later with the instructions to sit out the rest of practice.  About 10 minutes later the same girl came to me crying and hyperventilating saying that she felt worse.  She then collapsed into my arms before doubling over and vomiting all over next to my feet.  Fun!  (No worries, she's feeling much better now).

Practice continued to get better when the girl with the strongest leg (kick) on the team nailed me in the face with a soccer ball (both knocking off my sunglasses and leaving me with a very tender cheekbone).

Then I got to play mediator between two "besties" on the team who were in a typical high school girl fight: "You are SUCH a backstabber!"  "I am NOT, don't say things like that!"  Fun for me!

Then to top things off I got the news that one of my girls has been suspended from school.  Not for talking back to a teacher, not for fighting, no... for having sex in school.  That's right: HAVING SEX. DURING SCHOOL. UNDER A STAIRWELL. Remember, I coach FRESHMAN girls.

Unbelievable.  So gross.  So awkward.  She may have to be kicked out of our program...that is yet to be decided.

But what an uncomfortable conversation that will be: "I'm sorry sweetie, you are being kicked off the team because you couldn't keep your legs closed during 4th period."

I'm no prude but really?!  REALLY!?

What a practice I tell ya.  What. a. practice.

Frustrated with a capital F

"Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight"

And I almost did get in a fight.  No, actually that is a complete lie.  However, my first day back at school did prove to be frustrating.

I came to school very excited today, having been assured my job status for next year at B.C. High School would be decided.  However that is now NOT the case.  New estimate: end of April.  Another month of stress...yay!

On top of this, I had a very fun frustrating day with my students.

In my World History class, SIX groups were scheduled to present a project they had completed before break.  Actual groups ready to present: ONE.

In that same period, this happened:

Student X: While Ms. C. is busy with another student, flips American Flag upside down.

Me: Noticing upside down flag, "X, turn the flag right side up."

X: "Ughhhhhhh, NO"

Me: "NOW.  You should treat our flag with respect"

X: "I can treat our flag however I want!  It doesn't represent ANYTHING!  We have NO FREEDOMS IN THIS COUNTRY!"

Me: "As a history teacher and someone who has family members in the military, that statement is both incorrect and offensive."

X: "I DON'T CARE!  I will say that to anyone!  I'll say it to everyone in the military!  I can say whatever I want here.  It's called FREEDOM OF SPEECH!"

If that doesn't show logic, I don't know what does.

Welcome back to me, Welcome back

"IMAGINE"

No, not John Lennon style...WHITNEY style.

Today, I am coming out of hiding.  My name is Whitney and I have an overactive imagination.

For as long as I can remember, I've always resorted to my imagination to create fun.  And while most people grow out of theirs, mine seems to get stronger with time.  Is it wrong to be 24 and still imagine on a daily basis?  Sometimes I think it's not normal.

It usually starts as a "shower story" (something I make up while in the shower to pass the time).  But then it crosses over into my daily life; during drives, while with loved ones, before bed.

Because I'm word purging right now, let me give you a full breakdown of how serious this is.  The stories I create in my head are dramatic, outrageous, and incredibly elaborate.  A typical "story" I create lasts from one month to several years.  That's right, YEARS.

The longest-running of mine lasted from about the 4th grade to early high school.  I was wife to the President of the United States who was black (yes, I've always been progressive).  We were the most beloved couple on the planet.  I was continuously voted most beautiful in the world.  I was the voice behind every great song of the 90's.  But I also took it to dark places...oh yes.

I lived through a Holocaust- like experience that occurred within the White House.  (Don't you question my imagination!)  I survived trapped in a mountain after a volcano erupted.  I survived a long coma after being in a gruesome car accident (Princess Diana style...I was coping!).  I even survived 9-11.  Dramatic.  But pure genius.

It seems my story lines are always ripped from the headlines or my current interests.  Other notable story lines include:

- Me as Voldermort's long-lost American sister and best friend to Ron and Hermione.  Of course I tried to hide my past, of course Harry fell in love with me along the way, and of course I played an instrumental role in killing Vodlermort.

- Me as a tough-hitting political strategist who gets a rude and crude wheelchair bound candidate elected president, only to fall in love with him and help him learn to walk (Again, don't question my imagination!)

- Me as a poor commoner who lived on the outskirts of town (ISR, later 1st and Springfield) but traveled into town (the quad) on errands, and later met and fell in love with the prince at his castle (the Library)

- Me being kidnapped by vampires (a cross between True Blood and Twilight), falling in love with the Alex Skarsgard lookalike, and eventually both saving the vampire race and bringing peace between vampires and humans.

- Me meeting, falling in love, and having a huge wedding with Prince Harry.  Sadly, Will and Kate die in a horrific plane crash shortly thereafter,  leaving Harry and I to take the throne.  Harry is then assassinated while I'm pregnant.  Turns out, the heir to the throne wasn't his...it was Kyles!

Yes, real life seeped into my latest story.  Mainly because I started feeling guilty that I always have to either kill Kyle off, pretend he never existed, or make him a bad person for my stories to make sense.  I have redeemed myself temporarily.  Next one, Kyle's back to six feet under.

What is really sad is this list could go on, and on, and on.  This isn't normal is it?

Ah well....I DON'T CARE.  I love being in my head, and who wouldn't?  It's a constant soap opera up there.  So if you see me with a glazed over, far away look in my eyes, I ask you to leave me alone.  I'm busy being crowned Queen of England, even if it is JUST my imagination.

Lucky Lady

How did I get so lucky?  With friends like these, I can never be anything but thankful: http://blog-cait.blogspot.com/2011/03/fate.html

Seriously...it does not matter that I'm broke.  It does not matter that I'm soon to be unemployed.  In the grand scheme of things I have a wonderful boyfriend, family, friends, and truly, TRULY a best friend who is absolutely utterly amazing.  How lucky am I?

I love you Cait!  And from the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU!

Unemployed Whit

Welp, I got the official word today from my principal: All first year teachers are being let go.

Don't worry, I didn't cry.  I knew it was coming and also know there is a chance I'll be back at B.C. high school next year.

I was told by the principal that "he'll do whatever he can to keep me around."

But it all truly depends on numbers; how many new kids enter the school, how many Social Studies electives kids sign up for, and class size.

After talking to my department chair it looks like this:
1. The biggest likelihood is there will be the exact same number as this year: meaning I could be part-time again.
2. There is also the small chance that numbers will increase slightly resulting in me still probably being part-time, but having an extra class or two (and being paid more)
3. Finally, the small chance that numbers will decrease slightly meaning I'm out of a job.

To sum it up: No one really has a clue yet as to where I stand.  By early April I should get the official word.

So please Blog Readers I ask you this: Send positive thoughts my way, Cross your fingers for me, or Pray for me that I am asked back next year or at least get a teaching job somewhere else.

I NEED to be teaching and I need all the help I can get.

Up, Down, All Around

This past week or so has been a real roller coaster of emotions for me.

High: Soccer Season offically began!  And my team looks like we could be pretty decent.  I will keep you updated on that.

Low: Unfotunatley, I had to make a few cuts (even though it's at the Freshman level).  Having a 15 year old girl crying and begging you to let her pleassssssse have another chance is SO.NOT.FUN.  Awful experience.

High: A student I subbed for last week told me I don't look a day over 21.  Is it too early to be getting excited over age compliments?

Low: Subbing, ewwwww

High: Kyle traded in his truck (So long, Red Dragon!) for a sweet (and beautiful) Jeep.

Low: Kyle specifically told me not to "test" his panic button.  I did anyway.  I got yelled at.  Then when test-driving his jeep, his turn signals, radio, and speedometer were not working for me.  I got yelled at some more and blamed for these issues.  Side note: It was NOT my fault, his ignition starter was stuck.  Kyle apologized.  I'm still childish and want to press his Panic Button again.

High: 3 weeks until Spring Break!

Low: 3 weeks until Spring Break :(

TWENTY - SIX

No matter how much I wish money (or lack thereof) wouldn't impact my life - it does.  From day to day decisions to long-term plans, I can't get away from it.

Take Kyle's race car.  Kyle has been racing for the past few years.  Yesterday, his race car was officially sold.  Why?  Well, largely due to the fact that Kyle and I are soon planning on moving in together and truly need every last dime.

Kyle confessed to me that he would typically spend a couple hundred dollars per weekend during race season.  Once, we added up how much he's probably spent over the past few years on everything race-related and the amount literally silenced me.  (And that doesn't happen that often when I'm with him).

If Kyle chose to continue racing this year we simply wouldn't be able to afford to move out of our parents and in with each other.  Sucks, but its true.

It is also true that had Kyle not been racing the past few years we probably could already be living together.  But I never asked him to stop because I know that racing is his passion.  A hobby he absolutely loves.  And trust me, if there is one thing I know: it's hobbies.

Remember, I'm the daughter of a football coach.  I believe that you should be able to do what you love throughout your life.  I also understand that a hobby can take up lots of a person's time.  But while my dad's hobby takes time, he also MAKES money from doing it.  Kyle's hobby takes time and money.

The time thing I can deal with.  But the money....unfortunately is another issue.

If only we had more of it!  We'd be living together and #26 would still be sitting in the shop.  But alas, that is not the case.

I pray that one day Kyle can race again.  He seems incredibly pessimistic about that but I hold out hope.  I couldn't ever imagine having to give up my passions (teaching, coaching, Harry Potter) so it sucks seeing him have to.

It is just so very sad because I know how much Kyle loves racing.  I know how much his dad loves it.  I know how much it meant to the two of them.

I have this annoying habit of always blaming myself for things and so while I know I didn't ask Kyle to quit and while I know for financial reasons it is a necessity, I still can't help but feel like its all.my.fault.

I hate seeing Dave and Kyle upset.

But at the same time I feel so incredibly excited about finally (after 8.5 years) starting a future with Ky.

It's a catch-22 I guess

I just hope our future can involve a race care again.  True, I still won't ever understand the fascination about watching cars go in circles and getting dirt in your teeth...but...I know it makes the person I love happy - so it makes me happy.

Damn money!  Here's to hoping that one day again there will be a twenty-six in our midst (and more than that in the bank account)!

Blame Me, I'm a Teacher!

Please excuse me if I rant and rave.

Please excuse me for being a teacher.

Please excuse me for "being overpaid" and "hardly working"

Please excuse me for being the reason this country is in so much debt

Please excuse me for being money-hungry, selfish, lazy, and nothing more than a babysitter

NOT. 

If you cannot tell, I am quickly growing tired of the blame-the-teacher attitude that seems to have taken over our country in recent years.

A quick FYI for you teacher-haters:

1. Me, overpaid?  Hardly.  You think once I'm a veteran teacher with a Masters degree I will be earning the same as someone with the same degree/experience in the private sector?  Hardly.
2. GOOD teachers are some of the hardest workers I know.  Most of us don't work 7:00-3:00 days.  No, no, no...that is just SCHOOL hours.  We're with students before school, after school, doing prep work at home for hours during weeknights and hours during the weekend. Of course there are a few teachers who work the system and take off early and don't do any outside work.  But would YOU want to be judged by the few bad eggs in YOUR line of work?  Didn't think so.
3. You think I'm a babysitter?  Fine, pay me like one.  I'm going to be real here: working as a 1st year part-time teacher I bring home $400 a paycheck.  If I was paid only $3 per hour to "babysit" each of my students I would be making OVER $850 every paycheck!!!!  Yes, Please!

And while we're at it: I dislike the fact that teachers have to be fearful of losing their jobs based on how well students perform on tests and in school.  Should teachers be held somewhat accountable?  YES.  It is our job to teach.  But should others be held responsible as well?  Indeed.


For starters, if we are going to have an accountability system it needs to start in  ELEMENTARY schools.  Too many high school kids come in with 5th/6th grade reading/writing levels making teachers play catch-up for far too long.

And what about parents?  What has happened to their responsibility in all of this?  If every parent made sure their kids were fed and clothed properly, checked on their kid's homework, and offered support to schools - SO much more could get done.


Also, lets be honest.  There are just some kids out there who no matter how hard teachers and parents work just.don't.care. about these tests; and will put no effort in to study and prepare.


I will not deny some things need to change in Education.

There should be a (reformed) accountability system.  And I do believe the tenure system has created some teachers who get lazy.  I am more than OK with this system being reformed so that incompetent tenured teachers can be more easily fired.

But to blame teachers for state/national debt?  To call us lazy and overpaid?  WE educate your kids!  WE teach them life lessons!  WE inspire them to learn!

By the way: the only 5 states in the U.S. who do NOT have collective bargaining (S. Carolina, N. Carolina, Virginia  Georgia, and Texas) were ranked nation-wide as follows in 2010 ACT/SAT scores: 49th, 38th, 34th, 48th, and 45th.

Wisconsin: 3rd.

Youth of America

A few of my favorite quotes from my students in World History today:

"Why don't we just frickin nuke Iraq and take their oil!"

"What I don't understand is, since 9/11, why haven't we just already killed everyone in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan?"  When I  tried to explain it was not the countries that attacked us but rather a terrorist organization: "Still!  It would make things easier!"

"We should just bomb them in secret and not let the world know"

"Yeah but... after Japan was bombed people went crazy.  Like literally crazy.  Like people are still in mental hospitals today.  For real."

"Wait, we bombed Japan?"

"Why is everyone always sayin the U.S. gets involved in other countries business?  Maybe THEY should keep THEIR nose out of OUR business!"

"Hey Ms. C, who was that one black person who got those black kids to make an army?  They had guns?"

I LOVE being a teacher.  Never a dull moment.  And yes, I corrected these outrageously incorrect statements

Mr. Romance

Kyle really knows how to bring the romance.  Last night, at our Valentine's Day dinner date, the conversation turned to how little money I have right now, and how very poor I am (truly, $28 in my bank account right now).

Whitney: "I am so poor.  I seriously think I might have to start stripping"

Kyle:  "And the good news about that is, you don't even have to be good looking to be a stripper"

Whitney: [blank stare]

Kyle: "Oh...that didn't come out right did it?"

Sigh, he melts my heart

My Celebrity Crush

Not Brad Pitt.  Not Johnny Depp.  No, not even Robert Pattinson.

My celebrity crush is....

Conan O'Brien.  That's right.  This guy.

Why do I love Conan?

He is the ONLY person on television (except Michael Scott) who consistently and frequently makes me laugh out loud.  Even when I'm by myself.

I'm so googly eyed over him.  I want to meet him, shake his hand, hug him, and then marry him (sorry Kyle).

I find pretty much everything Conan does and/or says to be hilarious.  And if you haven't see his new TBS show...you need to.  I think Conan's at his best these days.  Pure perfection.

Just check out this clip from last nights show.  Lingerie Puppy Bowl?  When have I ever laughed so hard I ask you?!?  When?!

"Check out the rack on that puppy!"

SNOW DAY x2!!!!

Tuesday Night - blowing now, yikes!

TWO SNOW DAYS!  YIPPEE!  Odd, that I'm writing about my snow days as I'm back at work (clearly not working too hard).

Ah the joy of a SNOW DAY.  Although, some of the fun was taken out of it in my opinion because both snow days were called off the day before.  There is no better memory then waking up as a kid only to learn you had a SNOW DAY!  Or during the U of I Valentine's Day Blizzard, heading to class with Kelli and learning you got a SNOW DAY then preceding to wake up your entire dorm floor with the news.

Still, it was Fantastic.  Wednesday and Thursday off.  What luck!  And while I was a little jealous that my dad got a third (!) SNOW DAY today, I am a little happy to be back.

I mean really, I hadn't left my house since Monday (Tuesday was my off day).  I was getting all kinds of antsy.  And it's only ONE day back. 

I was also very productive on my SNOW DAYS, I got caught up on grading and even ahead on planning.

Speaking of planning lessons, it's always the irony of teaching that the lessons you put the most thought and consideration into planning, are the ones that fail the most.  For example, in my World History class on Monday I had (what I thought) could be a boring lesson planned.  But it turned out fantastic!  We had such a lively great discussion.  The kids were totally into it.

On the other had...my Monday U.S. History lesson.  I put so much effort into it, and thought it was amazing.  It was over the 1950's American Dream, a woman's ideal role, family life... all of these (in my opinion) fun things.  I had tons of pictures in my PowerPoint, Stereotypical women jokes (really!), and we even watched an episode of "Leave it to Beaver".  Fun right?

Not according to these kids.  Granted it was a Monday- first period.  But they were SO not engaged.  Totally catching flies with their mouths.  FAIL! 

Painful, truly painful.  Ah well, next time I'll get em. 

How about some more SNOW DAY pics?

Dad standing next to a snow drift.  He's so happy

This poor tree was buried!

Opened the garage door, only to find a mini-mountain of snow

Half a tree

Here's What I Think of You!

I love teaching.  Truly, everything about it.  But I know as a young teacher, I have lots to improve.  So, at the end of the semester I ask my kids to "review" me.  Here are some of my favorite responses:

What Did You Like about this Class?
"I Loved your class so much!  Before I hated history but now I kinda like it!  You're a fun/cool teacher"

"I liked the way you teach things.  Your not boring like all the other teachers but I think it's because you're young."

"Favorite class ever!"

What Didn't You Like?

"You didn't let us play cards"

"Why do we write so much?"
"Your bellwork is the epitome of all evil"

Suggestions?
"We should only watch movies"

"Don't make Ms. C. mad! LOL"

It is always a little scary giving students the opportunity to critique you, but I'm getting used to it.  I mean, as a teacher, I know I'm critiqued CONSTANTLY by these kids.  Critiqued, made fun of, laughed at...Remember the things YOU used to say about teachers?


The other day about halfway through my U.S. History class, I looked down only to find my black dress pants had a HUGE chalk smear all across my thigh.  Surprised, I said to my kids "Why didn't anyone tell me I have a giant chalk stain!"  To which they replied, "Oh, we've been laughing at that all period." I tell you.  Kids these days.  


And today for some reason while trying to say "emphasize" in my World History class, it just wouldn't come out right.  It was coming out "EPasi...ePa...EPasize?"  Kid's were trying to guess what I was reaching for when one kid in the back, with a surprising amount of annoyance in his voice loudly proclaimed: "EMP. PHA. SIZE." Well, gee wiz.

And the more I think about it, I do believe most of my blogs will be about teaching/coaching. 

Kids do say the darndest things

I'm Baaaaack!!

Well, sort of.

 Due to the constant harassment of friends and at times family (you know who you are!) I have finally decided to re-enter the world of blogging.  Albeit, with a new blog (seeing as how I can't log on to my old one-boo!)

This should be quite the adventure.  While my old blog was all college, whining about college, complaining, whining, college...I'm actually a real adult now so it may have a different vibe.  (But don't get your hopes up)

Since I stopped blogging, here is what you missed:
 - Student Teaching went great!
- I subbed for year (no! Don't make me re-hash my life as a sub!)
- I am now teaching part-time at a high school I'll call "BC"
- Still live with mom and dad....I know, I know
- Plan on  moving in with Kyle this summer, yay!
- Worked as a soccer coach last year, and am currently coaching Freshman Girls Soccer

So there you go.  Hopefully I'll have lots of fun stories to tell from teaching, coaching, and the process of moving out of Mom and Dad's and in with the boyfriend.

And after reading through ALL of my old blog posts I discovered many were un-Godly loooong and I complained a LOT about how I didn't write enough.  So here is my promise to you:  I'll try (key word) to keep these short and sweet and try to do 1-2 a week...hopefully more!

Here we go again!

My Family!  Minus one

The Missing Family Member and I

 

Vacation!  (Will be adding more soon!)